New Election Date Announced to Fill Rep. Eric Swalwell’s Seat

Special Election Set for Eric Swalwell’s Congressional Seat

Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that a special election will be held on August 18 to replace Rep. Eric Swalwell, who recently announced his resignation amid allegations of sexual misconduct and assault.

In a proclamation issued Tuesday, Newsom designated the date for voters in California’s 14th congressional district to choose a successor. Swalwell, who is set to leave his post at the end of the year, had initially intended to run for governor but withdrew from the race over the weekend due to the surfacing allegations.

The reasons behind Newsom’s decision to prompt a special election for a mere four-month term remain unclear. Special elections are often expensive; California incurred costs exceeding $250 million in a recent special election related to congressional redistricting.

Swalwell has represented the 14th congressional district since 2023, having transitioned from the 15th district, where he served for a decade starting in 2012, due to new congressional maps. The upcoming election will be pivotal for constituents in the district as they prepare to select a representative during this transitional period.